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Feature 2 | MIDDLE EAST Topaz invests for the future


Topaz Marine Repair (TMR) is looking to expand both within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and further afield.


Maritime City (DMC), which is due to be fully operational by the end of October 2010. According to John McFadyen, general manager, TMR: “Obtaining facilities in such a premium location will give us the strategic advantage of being closer to our customers.” In addition TMR is in the process of


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putting together a new rig repair team. Tis will operate out of Abu Dhabi, where the company’s new drydocks have a full order book to the end of 2010 and beyond. Meanwhile TMR’s hydraulic repair


section has successfully commissioned a new hydraulic test bench facility at its Dubai branch. Te bench has a maximum capacity of 100 kW, which will be made operational gradually. Mr McFadyen says: “Tis investment is significant as the bench has been specially designed to undertake diverse hydraulic tests which conventional test benches are not capable of.” TMR has successfully completed a number


of shiprepair projects during 2010, including the upgrade of Topaz Salalah, sister company Topaz Marine’s DP1 class anchor handling vessel. Work included the fabrication and installation of three new accommodation deck blocks, with a new extended bridge, and the fitting out of new accommodation areas. TMR also carried out extensive repair and refurbishment work on a Japanese oil tanker, M Star, following an explosion onboard, as well as the 66m research vessel, BOS Angler,


ne of the key investments underway at TMR is the development of a new workshop inside Dubai


Topaz Marine Repair’s (TMR) main business segment, afloat repair services, has seen volumes drop in 2010, while other sectors such as automation and instrumentation and underwater services have increased activity.


following fire damage. Te latter project was completed towards the end of September and the scope of work included cleaning the burnt area and entire engine room, replacement of the auxiliary engines’ alternators and rigging out of reduction gear, the replacement of all burnt electrical cables and supply of shore power and the connection of electrical cables from the shore power generator to various shipboard units, including pumps, compressor and air conditioners. Overall Mr McFadyen is upbeat about TMR’s prospects: “Te shipping industry will


gradually start building momentum again aſter the lean years of 2009 and 2010 and due to its strategic position in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah and Salalah, TMR stands to benefit from this industry resurgence. We are a strong player in the regional market and will continue to develop our service offering and expand into new markets.” Further geographical expansion by TMR’s marine repair unit is being considered for the coming year, he reveals, with a number of strategic opportunities currently being evaluated. SCRT


Capacity expansion planned by Basrec


Over the past year the Bahrain yard has experienced an increase in conversion and general repair activity.


work in particular has been a key element of Basrec’s success in 2010, with projects including drydockings, upgrades and major repairs.


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ahrain’s Basrec yard has been kept busy this year with vessels docked by both local and European owners. Naval


According to the company it is now looking


to increase the drydocking repair capacity at the yard in response to this strong demand, and is further taking steps to upgrade available equipment. Furthermore its container repair division is looking to set up an additional


operation at the new Khalifa bin Salman port, to support shipping line customers calling at this facility, which opened in 2009. Te creation of additional facilities for offshore and marine construction work is also under review, the company states. SCRT


Shiprepair and Conversion Technology 4th Quarter 2010


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